The matchup between Italy and Argentina is of great significance. Given that the two sides are expected to finish side by side for second place in the group, the winner will undoubtedly hold the initiative for a ticket to the knockout rounds.
Italy has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, reaching the last eight of the last Women's World Cup, and this year's tournament features even more experienced players. Captain Guilherme is the star of the team, with her goal scoring threat, while Bonlensia is one of the players who impressed me. They play alongside each other at Juventus, and if they can work together on the offensive side of the ball, the team will be able to take their performance in this tournament to the next level.
Considering that Bonlancea probably won't be starting, I'm extra excited to see what Darraghany, who is just 16 years old and recently made her debut for the national team, can do. The midfield starlet joined Barcelona earlier this year and immediately became a focal point, and she is expected to be a future star.
Argentina finished third in last year's Women's CONCACAF Cup and enter 2023 undefeated and full of confidence. Although they have been winless in their three trips to the final week of the Women's World Cup and appear to be runners in the race, I believe they will be the strongest Argentine team in history at this tournament.
Yemena Lodikis was the tournament's top scorer in the last CONCACAF Cup, so I'm really looking forward to her performance in this Women's World Cup - what can she really bring to the table?
